Gongaware Scholars: Class of 2004

Courtney Boggs Montfort

A native of Corydon, Ind., Boggs’ decision to attend ISU was partially based on her selection as a scholarship student in the Gongaware Center. Boggs’ connection with the Gongaware Center helped her earn valuable experience in her major — insurance and risk management. She was a member of the Center’s Scholarship Team in 2000 and 2001; served as the team’s project manager in 2002; and as scholarship coordinator in 2003. Her service with the Center was recognized by her selection as Outstanding Student Worker.

Boggs actively participated in Gamma Iota Sigma — a professional fraternity for insurance and actuarial science majors — as executive vice president in 2002 and as vice president of public relations in 2001. Selected as a member of the Insurance and Risk Management Honors Corps for 2002-2003 (3.6 GPA and above), Boggs also served for two years as coordinator of Fresh Faces, an organization designed to integrate students with insurance and risk management faculty, and she served as president and vice president of membership and public relations for Toastmasters at ISU. Further experiences in her major were gained through internships with Lockton Companies, St. Paul Insurance and the May Agency.

Her hard work and dedication earned her several awards and recognitions including an ISU 2002 Outstanding Junior Award, one of five national PRIMA Scholarships and one of 30 national Anita Benedetti Awards. She was also selected as one of 12 national recipients of the RIMS Spencer Foundation Educational Scholarship.

"I realize that many people out of high school are undecided about their career paths, but I had an interest in pursuing insurance since high school. When I heard about the Gongaware Scholarship, I decided to apply because it seemed like the right fit for me. Plus the scholarship package was enticing. When I met the Gongaware staff, I learned that the Gongaware Scholarship was just an added bonus to everything else the Center provides, including leadership development, freshmen counseling and the opportunity to work with faculty and professionals in the insurance program — even as a freshman."

Carrie Eskew Alford

Hometown: Washington, IndianaMajor: Insurance and Risk Management

"I was extremely active in extracurricular activities in high school … so it seemed natural to get involved in student activities here at Indiana State. I … feel very fortunate to be a Gongaware Scholar because The Gongaware Center has made the transition from high school to college easy. As a Scholar, I was immediately accepted into the Gamma Iota Sigma fraternity and was included in events geared toward freshmen. I am also involved in Toastmasters, Freshmen Council and Insurance and Risk Management Honor Corps."

Jennifer Gray Bowersock

"The best part about my involvement with The Gongaware Center is the camaraderie between all of the Gongaware Scholars. Together we are working toward our professional goals, serving in leadership positions for campus organizations, and having a great time along the way.

I currently play for ISU’s Women’s Basketball team and am a member of Gamma Iota Sigma, Insurance and Risk Management Honors Corps, Alpha Lamda Delta, Sycamore Athletes For Education (SAFE) and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

ISU has provided the best of all worlds for me. I achieved a 4.0 GPA in high school, so I wanted an academic program that would challenge me. I’ve found it at ISU. It’s a friendly place that provides so many opportunities to learn and grow."